The Power of Positive Thinking

Every month I receive a calendar from a website called Action for Happiness. These calendars apply specific concepts to the months where readers are encouraged to act on the daily prompts related to the theme. For example, October focused on "optimism" calling it "Optimistic October." 

As a leader, I try my best to act as an example for my staff and our patients. I print the calendars and distribute them in staff mailboxes so that they too can see and practice the prompts as much as they can. What I find is that the energy from applying themes like optimism can be contagious. These prompts emphasize the importance of seeing the world through a positive lens where we look for and act on opportunities to improve our outlook. In turn, the effect on mood can be tremendously beneficial. 

Think about a time where things weren’t going your way and you just couldn’t find a solution to your problems. What were you thinking about the situation? Was it that you would never get out of this mess or that you are always running into the perfect storm? What if you changed your mind about it and thought, "This is only temporary and I have solved bigger problems in the past" or "I can do this, there is no stopping me when I put my mind to something!" You may not be used to reframing your negative or irrational thoughts into positive ones but I promise you, it can be a game changer. It won’t happen overnight but with practice, this is a powerful tool that can bring about improvements in mood and outlook when used regularly. 

This type of thinking is the basis of what is called "rational emotive behavior therapy." In essence it is the process that happens when you change your thoughts you experience a change in your feelings. I challenge you this month to try it and see how it works for you. If you find yourself thinking of a situation or even yourself in a negative light, try a gentle, positive, optimistic reframe. It can be difficult at first but once you get into the habit of challenging some of your most unhelpful beliefs or thoughts, it starts to become a more natural process. This can help to manage mood issues like anxiety, anger, depression and more. Albert Ellis, the founder of REBT therapy said "Too many people are unaware that it is not outer events or circumstances that will create happiness; rather, it is our perception of events and of ourselves that will create, or uncreate, positive emotions." 

May is a great month to start incorporating skills like thought reframing into your everyday routine. Mental Health Awareness Month can help to bring awareness to the public not only about these tools but the signs and symptoms of a mental health issue or crisis and the resources available for the treatment of mental health issues.

If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns and you would like to know more about ways to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors, please call The Bristol Hospital Counseling Center at (860) 583-5858 to learn more about how you can access services.

Marie Courtemanche is the Manager of Clinical Operations at the Bristol Hospital Counseling Center. She is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a licensed professional counselor. She has been working in the field of addictions and mental health for over 20 years. Marie believes in empowering individuals to achieve wellness through a strengths based approach to therapy.

Optimistic October. (2023). Action for Happiness. Retrieved October 1, 2023, from https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar.